January 1, Radical House Democrat Candidate Stumbles Over Israel’s Right to Exist

Wyatt’s Take

• El-Sayed gives an instant yes to Palestine but adds conditions when asked about Israel’s right to exist.
• The Michigan Senate hopeful has a pattern of dodging tough questions on Israel and national security.
• Working families in Michigan want leaders who put America and strong alliances first, not hedge on our friends.

Michigan Democrat Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed gave a clear yes when asked if Palestine has a right to exist. When the question turned to Israel, he paused and added strings.

The hesitation came during a 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday night. The exchange drew fresh attention to El-Sayed’s earlier comments on the same topic.

“Yes, if there is a shared understanding,” El-Sayed replied.

“Wait, you said —” the interviewer began before El-Sayed interrupted.

“Let me just, let me just … I believe, and this is the problem with this debate, we start from where we sit rather than start from principles. … If the Palestinian people decide — and the Israeli people decide — that they want two states for two people, and they decide that on equal terms, I’m for it. If they decide that they want one state shared in a different way, I’m for that.”

Back in May, a recording from a campaign event showed El-Sayed struggling with the question of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. He instead challenged the audience to square the idea with liberal values and accused Israel of apartheid.

The Bernie Sanders-backed candidate has drawn criticism for other remarks as well. He faced backlash for calling an attack on a Michigan synagogue “hurt people hurt people” and for appearing with far-left streamer Hasan Piker. Another leaked tape showed him telling staff to stay silent on a U.S.-Israeli strike so as not to upset voters in Dearborn.

El-Sayed’s former primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, shocked fellow Democrats by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday. She cited the candidate’s ties to Piker as a key factor.

In October, El-Sayed called a question about whether Israel or Iran poses the bigger threat to America “a dumb question.” He blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for pushing the United States toward conflict and complained about foreign aid. Rogers noted El-Sayed stayed silent on the October 7 anniversary.

El-Sayed also clashed with Fox News anchor Bret Baier over a 2012 letter he signed supporting former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. The letter urged Morsi to purge the media and police. El-Sayed denied any Muslim Brotherhood membership and accused Republicans of attacking his faith.

Republican senators, including Ted Cruz and Tim Sheehy, have raised concerns about El-Sayed gaining access to classified intelligence if elected.

Wyatt Matters

Middle America expects elected leaders to stand firmly with our allies and put the safety of American families above political hedging.